Causes of Heel Pain in Women
May 31, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Ge
Introduction
First, consider whether the shoes being worn fit properly; ill-fitting shoes can cause retrocalcaneal bursitis. The bursal wall may become thickened, and the bursa fills with fluid, resulting in localized swelling and tenderness. Second, conditions arising from pathology of the calcaneal bone, joints, bursae, or fascia may also cause heel pain. A common example is plantar fasciitis, which—due to chronic, minor trauma—leads to pain on one or both sides of the heel without erythema or swelling, impairing ambulation.
There are numerous causes of heel pain; however, the underlying cause is typically inflammation—specifically, aseptic (non-infectious) inflammation. This type of inflammation commonly results from chronic overuse or sports-related injuries, differing fundamentally from bacterial infections familiar in everyday life.
First, consider whether your footwear fits properly. Women who frequently wear high heels may develop retrocalcaneal bursitis due to friction and irritation caused by ill-fitting high-heeled shoes. The bursal wall may thicken, and the bursa fills with fluid, leading to localized swelling and tenderness.
Second, heel pain may arise from pathological changes affecting the calcaneal bone, joints, bursae, or fascia. A common condition is plantar fasciitis, which often affects individuals who stand or walk for prolonged periods. Chronic, low-grade trauma leads to unilateral or bilateral heel pain without visible redness or swelling, impairing normal ambulation.
Lastly, excessive fatigue can also cause heel pain. For instance, spending an entire day shopping places sustained stress on the feet, easily triggering heel discomfort. Wearing poorly fitting shoes further exacerbates this pain.
